What Counts As Cheating In A Relationship?

The definition of cheating isn't exactly as clear-cut as one may think.

Cheating is when someone in a committed relationship breaks the trust of his or her partner by having an affair with someone else out of the relationship, whether it's physical or emotional. But the definition of cheating is subjective.

Would a small kiss on the cheek make you call it quits? Or would it take much more?

People cheat for different reasons. Some commit unfaithful acts because they aren't bonding enough with their partner inside the bedroom. Others cheat because they feel disconnected from their significant other. Both men and women might cheat because they find themselves bored at home and end up substituting that time engaging in sexual acts with an attractive lover. Sometimes, the most innocent person can cross paths with someone at the wrong time and place, causing him or her to fall into a trap of infidelity.

Everyone defines cheating in different ways. Consider the below. Which would have you walking out the door?

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

Eva Longoria and Tony Parker

Tony got caught sending hundreds of text messages to other women and had an affair with a former teammate's wife! No!

(Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

Tiger Woods And Elin Nordegren

Caught cheating with close to 19 mistresses during his marriage.

(Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)

Avoiding cheating altogether is probably a good way to go. Communication is what it's all about. If someone is no longer happy in a relationship, he or she should communicate that to their partner. If nothing can be resolved, the two should break up. There's no reason to let things escalate to the point someone eventually gets hurt or betrayed.

Sarah Francis is a half-Palestinian journalism junkie, a proud Charlotte, NC native with an oversized sweet tooth, and an active world traveler. Ask her where she's headed next. (@Sarah_Francis25)